Ahead of Potential Presidential Bid, Bloomberg Expands Ad Buy to Texas

Former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg launched a multi-million ad buy across the U.S. on Friday, including in several Texas markets.

On Friday, CNBC reported that Bloomberg has bought $32 million in television ads to run beginning next week across the United States. A map from CNBC appears to show ad buys in several Texas markets as part of the multi-million dollar move, including in the Dallas, Houston, Austin, and El Paso areas. The ad buy, which is spread out across several mid-March primary states, is believed to be the largest weekly ad buy in presidential campaign history, surpassing the $24 million record previously held by President Barack Obama.

At this point, it is unknown what material is included in Bloomberg’s ad, although a report from the Texas Tribune stated the ad out of Dallas is believed to mention President Donald Trump three times.

Bloomberg’s move comes as the businessman has filed the Federal Election Commission ahead of a possible bid for president in 2020. However, Bloomberg has not yet stated whether he will actually run for president in 2020.